Welcome to the boards, JenBug24. I'm so sorry that you had to go through abuse in the past and am thrilled that you've found a sweetheart who you're excited to explore and experiment with. Here is an article I think you'll find very relevant to your situation: http://www.scarleteen.com/article/relat...

Hi, loveyoruxx. Your coverage depends on whether you take a combination pill or a progestin-only ("mini") pill. If you're taking a combo pill (which I'd assume you are, considering you seem to have more wiggle room with when you take your pill), and it's after the first week of your pill p...

Hi, cantul15. Does your boyfriend have a history of self-harm or other behaviors that you think might endanger him or other people if you were to break up with him right now? If so, then maybe waiting until he has a source of support and supervision would be a considerate idea. If not, I'd say break...

Hi, esTa. Your coverage depends on whether you take a combination pill or a progestin-only ("mini") pill. If you're taking a combo pill, and it's after the first week of your pill pack, since your last pill was less than 24 hours ago, you should be covered (but it can't hurt to use a backu...

Hi all, A common theme I've noticed popping up in the relationships myself, my peers, and other Scarleteen users have issues with is jealousy. It's one of the most uncomfortable emotions you can experience, since it has no clear release--sometimes, the subject of your jealousy (i.e. a straight-ident...

Welcome to Scarleteen, GingerPhoenix. First off, I want to say that I am so, so sorry you have to go through this. Sexual assault is such a profound act of violence and can leave someone traumatized--everything you may be feeling right now is valid. My first suggestion would be to, if you're able, s...

First off, yay! This is so exciting--how awesome to find out your feelings are being reciprocated. This question made me smile! Also, a disclaimer: every relationship is unique and nuanced and I, as an outsider who doesn't know either of you, can't tell you exactly how to deal with this situation. I...

Hi, avi13--the truth is, menstrual periods vary a lot. As long as you're not in unbearable pain and as long as your bleeding lasts for under a week, you can assume it's just normal menstrual variation and nothing is wrong! If your period lasts over a week or if your cramps are so painful you can't s...

Hi, Lúthien. First of all, I'd like to address the fact that your discomfort seems to be stemming from a history of sexual abuse/assault from your ex--what he did (pushing you to do something you didn't give your full and hearty consent to) is unhealthy and manipulative, so it's understandable that ...

Hi, SilentDragon! As someone who identifies and presents femininely, I have been in the same boat with you time and time again. Dealing with street harassment is an exhausting and unfair process--you did nothing wrong, yet you're forced to use up mental energy dealing with inconsiderate, often leche...

Hi, nokatprotested--the real issue here isn't looking for signs your period is coming (the most reliable signs would be cramps, noticeable PMS, and discharge, but since everyone with a vagina has unique and sometimes random menstrual patterns, no signs are surefire), but the fact that you, as you ha...

Unprotected oral sex always poses a risk of STIs, even if it's a small one. Cunnilingus is listed on this chart as a "moderate risk" activity. No matter what symptoms have actually been presented in the past, partner STI testing is always a good idea to make absolutely sure that neither of...

Unfortunately, I can't look inside your brain and figure out exactly how you're feeling and why you're feeling that way (I wish! That'd be a great business opportunity :P). There is no "for sure" answer I can give you on how to determine how you feel towards men and if it's because of this...

Correct--you'd be able to tell if a condom failed.

You're not required to "come out" or identify as anything right away (or ever)--as long as you're not in any danger, wearing things or behaving outside of the gendered norms without officially "identifying" as nonbinary is totally acceptable--you can still publicly identify as ci...

Depending on your ovulation cycle, your cervix can be close enough to the opening of your vagina for it to be poked if you stick something way up there. The cervix is much like any other body part--if something feels weird or painful, you probably shouldn't be doing it. If it doesn't feel bad, you'r...

The clitoris is one of the most sensitive parts of the body, about 8,000 nerve endings in a tiny area of tissue! For some people with a clitoris, arousal, especially before and after orgasm, can involve extreme sensitivity. Your girlfriend knows her body better than anyone, so follow her lead when i...

If she got her period after the pregnancy risk, she can assume she is not pregnant. However, it'd be great if you could recommend to her that she use some method of birth control, because she is at risk for STDs without a condom and pregnancy without any BC method!

Hi, FanndisTS! Gender dysphoria is super nuanced and its experience varies from person to person--it can be very obvious that you're experiencing dysphoria, or it can be more subtle, like what you're describing. I don't think it has to be an either/or situation here--you can feel dysphoric AND uncom...

Hi, lifeisgood, welcome to the boards! If testing for a UTI, it's unlikely that the physician will be looking for drugs (which may be an issue during a pregnancy) but if you're worried, you can give the office a call and ask. Here's an article about UTIs: http://www.scarleteen.com/article/advice/out...

Welcome to the boards, Anne15. Take a look at this article: Can I Get Pregnant, or Get or Pass On an STI From That? and you'll see that if there was no penis-vagina contact, there was no risk of pregnancy.

If you haven't been tested since this encounter, yes, you should get tested for STIs-- see this column http://www.scarleteen.com/article/advice/i_had_unprotected_sex_could_i_have_a_std_what_should_i_do for more information. If you can afford to pay out of pocket (not on your parents' health insuranc...

Also, please don't feel guilty--it wasn't your job to "prevent" rape, you are not responsible for the crime committed against you, the rapist is totally responsible for this.

Well, we are always here to help you sort through your thoughts and feelings about sex/relationships!

It's good that you seem to be able to accept the fact that your mother might not be the adult you confide in, but you should try to find one! A teacher or school counselor? An aunt? An older cousin? I am glad your boyfriend is so helpful, though.